J&K’s electricity allocation jumps over 2000 MW

Srinagar, Nov 11: The central power allocation to Jammu and Kashmir has increased to over 2000 megawatts (MW), which is much higher in comparison to last year when the Valley witnessed an unprecedented power crisis.

According to the Power Development Department (PDD)’s data, power imports stood at 2085 MWs, higher than last year’s allocation when power allocation was just hovering between 1200 to 1400 MWs.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in the Legislative Assembly, said that the Jammu and Kashmir government had received an additional 300 MW allocation, which the PDD officials say has largely helped in maintaining the power supply.

“In comparison to last year, our power position is far better. We are currently getting over 2000 MWs of import, which is the central allocation from Gencos. Then there is local power generation, which though has witnessed a dip due to less rainfall this year, but that too is over 300 MW. Currently, the demand in Kashmir is over 1400 MWs and in Jammu 900 MWs. However, in the coming days, the demand in Kashmir is going to increase," a senior PDD official said.

"We will try to ensure that we provide uninterrupted power supply in fully metered areas and ensure a scheduled power supply in non-metered areas, but for this, we need people's cooperation as they should desist from misusing power."

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the Centre had sanctioned an additional 300 MW of electricity to mitigate the power crisis in J&K.

"I met the power minister, and he sanctioned 300 MW additional power to us so that we can reduce the electricity cuts,” the CM said replying to the Motion of Thanks on the Lieutenant Governor's address in the J&K Assembly.

Electricity shortage has been a major issue in J&K as the high demand in Kashmir during winter, and in Jammu during summer, often leads to frequent power cuts in the respective regions.

“The additional electricity will substantially help the government tide over the crisis,” the CM said.

Of the existing installed generation capacity of 3500 MW in J&K, 1140 MW is contributed by J&K-owned plants, including projects like 900 MW Baglihar, 110 MW Lower Jehlum, and 110 MW Upper Sindh.

The remaining 2300 MW comes from central sector plants, with prominent ones being Salal, Dul-Hasti, Uri, and Kishanganga.

During the winter months, the combined output from both central and state sector powerhouses typically drops to around 600 MW against their rated capacity of 3500 MW.

The shortfall is usually compensated through power purchases from Central Generating Stations both within and outside J&K.

Of the J&K’s total installed capacity of 1140 MW, approximately 1030 MW is utilised within J&K, while the remaining 150 MW is sold outside J&K, honouring agreements executed in 2009 with Haryana.